Tennessee State University’s Board Revamp: Alumni President’s Vision for the Future

The resignation of Tennessee State University’s Board of Trustees has frightened HBCU supporters around the country. Last Thursday, Tennessee House Republicans voted to remove the board, according to Melissa Brown of The Tennessean.

Governor Bill Lee swiftly signed the legislation into law and appointed eight new members to the ten-member board, all of whom were Tennessee State alumni. According to sources, the Republican House supermajority violated their prior agreement with House Democrats to retain three current board members.

The recent efforts by the state legislature come after a protracted battle for fair funding for Tennessee’s only public HBCU, which is under increasing scrutiny from lawmakers. These legislative actions were not unexpected, with concerns dating back to 2022 when African-American students in the state favored Tennessee State over other schools.

During a hearing with outgoing Tennessee State President Dr. Glenda Glover, State Senator Todd Gardenhire questioned if the university’s aggressive recruitment of African-American and minority students is harming other universities’ efforts to provide equal education.

In a December 2022 interview with HBCU Pulse Radio, Tennessee State University alumni president Charles Galbreath Jr. criticized Gardenhire’s comments at the hearing. Galbreath claimed that Gardenhire’s words could spark a mental process that could result in destructive measures against the university.

“It’s critical for us to understand that simple things individuals say can lead to mental states. We can also change our mindset just by having talks. We can question mentality. However, when those mentalities find their way into the mouths of our legislators, they become decisions that shape the future; decisions that can alter a course. So what we want to do is ensure that we are providing accurate information to politicians so that if they have questions, they are asking the right ones.

He goes on to say, “Instead of wondering why students would choose Tennessee State University, we want them to ask, ‘What can we do for the students who have chosen Tennessee State University?'”

In comments received by HBCU Pulse following the resignation of the Board of Trustees, Galbreath was asked to consider Gardenhire’s 2022 comments and whether they affected the conversation surrounding the school.

“As president of the National Alumni Association, my first and foremost responsibility is to promote Tennessee State University’s reputation and excellence. So, when anyone or anything threatens that legacy and image, it is critical for alumni, particularly me, to speak up. Over the past year, we have faced some attacks.

If you’ve been following the news, you’ll know that there are areas where the university could have handled the problems more effectively. But, of course, when we look at financial challenges and some of the issues that HBCUs have around the country, it’s difficult for them to achieve some of the standards that they’re supposed to meet due to a lack of resources.”

He went on to say, “When we can’t figure out what an attack is, we start making assertions. This becomes a backstage discourse for some of our legislators, which eventually leaks into the public. So, in that context, I believe there was some irritation among certain legislators with the way Tennessee State University was administered from their perspective. And the public became aware of this frustration. And when this occurs, it is offensive. It’s extremely disrespectful to TSU, to Dr. Glover, and alumni.

Alumni reactions to the new Board of Trustees and their expectations

Although the decision to dissolve the board of trustees was received with opposition by Tennessee State graduates, Galbreath says he and other alumni believe the eight new members have the potential to become active members of the alumni community.

“They are business leaders in their own right.” I’ve witnessed their enthusiasm for Tennessee State University extend beyond their current positions. They have been spokespersons for Tennessee State University. So I can assure you that the new board members have the trust of the TSU community. I can tell you that the work they’ve done for years is acknowledged and treasured at Tennessee State University.” He claims that he has worked with some of the members in other positions for the institution.

“I worked with some of them on the [Tennessee State University Foundation] board. So, some of those individuals [I] have served beside, and I have seen their vision. I’ve witnessed their work ethic and determination.

Discussing the incoming Board of Trustees’ responsibilities to defend and preserve Tennessee State’s history, Galbreath praised outgoing president Dr. Glenda Glover’s dedication to the university, highlighting her as an example of an active and engaged alumna. Glover, who has served as president since January 2013, will retire at the end of the school year.

“Dr. Glover is Tennessee State University’s seventh president, but she is also an alumna. Tennessee State University has entered venues, sat at tables, and participated in discussions that will shape history for many years to come. Dr. Glover has encountered various hurdles as president, including those associated with heading a historically black university, Tennessee’s sole publicly supported HBCU, which has its own set of challenges.

Before we talk about what alumni may accomplish, we need to recognize Dr. Glover as one of our alumnae. She has made major contributions as she prepares for retirement. It is now our obligation as alumni to follow her lead and actively participate at the table she has set up.”